Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
There are plenty of family-friendly places to visit in North Devon. We take a look at one of our writer’s top 10 places to visit there.
1 – Lynton & Lynmouth
There’s so much to do in these twin coastal villages with a Victorian Cliff Railway which links the two. Lynton has a historic Town Hall, with the Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre next door in an old Methodist Church. The amazing Valley of Rocks is a short walk away. Lynmouth has coastal and woodland walks through the Glen Lyn Gorge or to Watersmeet, a small historic harbour and picturesque beach, a sailing club, boat trips and a park with bouncy castles in summer. There are also plenty of dog and child-friendly pubs, hotels, restaurants, gift shops and pottery.
2 – Woody Bay Station
This is a historic narrow-gauge restored railway offering rides on trains, with a cafe, gift shop and special events, Steam Galas and Santa Special at Christmas.
3 – Appledore
Appledore is a historic fishing village, picturesque and unspoilt, a haven for artists. Stroll through the quaint streets and find small galleries, bookshops, pubs and cafes. Home of the Appledore Book Festival takes place yearly in September.
4 – Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo is a small zoo and educational animal park, home of the Exmoor Beast, with a cafe,
seasonal and daily events and a large play park. Open all year round.
5 – RHS Rosemoor
Visit to explore the beautiful gardens, see wildlife and art exhibitions and take part in annual and seasonal events. Large cafe/restaurant on site.
6 – Clovelly
Clovelly is a privately owned estate which charges an entrance fee but is a picturesque harbour fishing village with a small harbour. There are very steep cobbled streets, but plenty of cafes, b&b,
gift shops, not ideal for wheelchairs/infirm but there is transport to the harbour at the bottom.
7 – Combe Martin
Combe Martin is an unusual small holiday town with a long main street, with gift shops, fish & chips, pubs, and cafes. It has a sandy and shingle beach, rockpools and wildlife to spot. Visit the unique Pack of Cards pub and Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park and Watermouth Cove is nearby.
8 – Brendon and the Doone Valley, Exmoor
Great for walking, wildlife and birdwatching. Lorna Doone Farm gift shop is nearby, or why not picnic by the river? Cloud Farm is a campsite and offers cream teas and pony trekking.
9 – Bideford
Bideford is a historic harbour town with a renowned Burton Art Gallery and plenty of shops,
pubs, and cafes. There is a large park and gardens, or take boat trips to Lundy. The Big Sheep and
Milky Way Adventure Parks are close by.
10 – Ilfracombe
This is a popular Victorian holiday resort town with small sandy beaches, gift shops, art galleries, pubs, fish & chips and restaurants with car parks close by. Visit the harbour to see Damien Hirst’s Verity statue. The harbour offers fishing and sightseeing trips around the coast and to Lundy. Or catch a show or exhibition at the Landmark Theatre. The foreshore has mini golf and amusements, activities in summer or take a coastal walk along the headland.
